5 biggest misconceptions around mental health

There are a wide range of misconceptions around mental health which contribute to the stigma and discrimination that stops people from talking about it or seeking help. Here we talk about some of the most common ones.

1. Mental health issues are a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

Absolute rubbish. Having a mental health issue does not make you weak in any way. This concept of ‘stiff upper lip’ has done a lot of damage to society. Being aware of your illness and seeking treatment is an incredibly strong thing to do.

2. People can just snap out of it if they try hard enough.

It’s interesting how nobody says that when someone has an appendicitis or a broken leg.  Mental health conditions are an illness, and there is neuroscience research that shows how it biologically affects the brain. Recovering and managing mental health is complicated. If someone tells you to snap out of it, ask them when they got their mental health qualification to make them an expert.

3. Medication doesn’t work/therapy doesn’t work.

Treatment for mental health conditions are varied and different things work for different people. People who are adamant that one particular treatment doesn’t work are only basing it on their experience, or something that they’ve read which is opinion rather than research based. This talk can be dangerous as it puts people off from trying different treatments. Ask what their evidence is to support that view and does it come from a professional? Has it been peer reviewed which means that other professionals have supported the research?

4. People with mental illness cannot hold down a job or have normal lives.

As someone who worked full-time whilst suffering with depression I can tell you this is rubbish. What people often do is ‘mask’. This is where they make extra effort to be ok in certain environments. This often means that they are extra tired and can’t do as much as they usually do. What usually suffers is their personal life rather than work.

5. People with a mental health condition are violent and dangerous.

Factually incorrect. People with mental illness are no more likely to be violent than the general population. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence themselves or harm themselves.

Please challenge these myths when you hear anyone talk about them. It’s important!